Submarine



Feb. 4, 1964 i M. E, LAWRIE SUBMARINE :s sheets-Sheet :s

Filed OCt. 24, 1.961

United`v States Patent Oliliice Patented Feb. 4, 1964 3,129,208 SUBMARINE Maclea lEdmond Lawrie, 1S Wellington St.,

- i South Australia, Australia Filed Oct. 24, 1961., Ser. No. 147,306

Claims priority, application Australia Oct. 26, 1950 10 Claims. (Cl. 114 16) Alberton,

This invention relates to submariges. Already known are underwater diving craft or submarines which are provided with motors operating from .batteries or the like and which are enclosed so that ar person can be accommodated in the hull of the submarine y and can maneuver the same underwater.

It has also been proposed to use open vanes or paravanes on which a person sits or lies, which are towed through the water and permit the person to dive by changing the angle of control members.

With the known self-propelled craft there is considerable difficulty in navigating the craft and establishing location as for example, when checking the habits 'of fish or the like. Furthermore the known craft are of very high cost, and for average purposes are not economical.

On the other hand the open type of towed unit, orthe unit of the type employing a miniature motor which tows a skin diver, is subject to the dual objection that firstly the diver is subjected to the possibility of attack by sharks or other large fish or jelly fish, and secondly that the diver is subject to wide variations in pressure and temperature which can in some circumstances prove dangerous.

The main object of this invention is to provlidevaiumbyn marine which is simple ip dnesigpapdnlgwoinost.anzlg'et wm' cn' is substantiilly safe. lT he purposes to which such a submarine ry-levilced are of course many and varied, and for example, include the study of fish habits and population, marine vegetable growth, sea floor topography, engineering installations and the like.

When specialized study is required, a problem frequently exists in that the specialist performing the study is not an experienced diver, and one of the objects of this invention is to provide inexpensive means whereby a specialist may make his study without the need for training as a diver, and without being subjected to the various dangers encountered in diving.

In its simplest form the invention may be said to be embodied by a submarine which comprises a hull, towrope engagement means on the outside of the hull, at

lleast one transversely disposed vane shaft, sealably journalled to bearings in the hull and disposed rearwardly of said tow-rope engagement means, a vane on said shaft or shafts, hand operable vane control means within the hull coupled to said shaft or shafts, a transparent observation panel in the hull, a waterproof hatch on the hull, and locking means between the waterproof hatch and the hull.

Embodiments of the invention are described hereafter in some detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a rst embodiment of a submarine being towed,

lFIG. 2 is a plan view of the submarine of FIG. 1 on a somewhat larger scale,

FIG. 3 is an elevational section of a submarine according to a second embodiment,

FIG. 4 is a section through lines 4 4 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 `is a section through lines 5 5 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 6 is a section through lines 6 6 of FIG. 3,

CLU

FIG. is a section through lines 7 7 of FIG. 3.

Referring firstly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2,

a submarinel()Y consists of a hull 11, the hull 11 including an annular transparent panel 12 between a Ilower cup-like portion 13 and a closure hatch 14.

The closure hatch 14 is retained in position by an outwardly disposed clamping nut 15, and also by inwardly disposed clamping means which are described in some detail with reference to the second embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Disposed forwardly of the medial transverse axis 17 is a pair of lugs 18 which, together with pins 19, constitute tow-rope engagement means which engage the tow-rope 20. The lugs 18 are disposed symmetrically about a longitudinal center line cf the submarine 10. The tow-rope 2i) is short in length and its two ends are ertg'a'gelfmpins 19, but intermediate its ends it engages the loop 21 of a main towing cable 22 which is secured to a towing vessel (not shown).

A pair of transversely disposed vane shafts 25 are journalled and sealably engaged in bearings 26 in the hull 11, and each vane shaft 25 carries on it a vane 27 which includes a forwardly disposed portion 28 which is half the area of the rearwardly disposed portion 29 so that the vanes 27 are at least partly balanced against the pressure tending to rotate them, whereby they are more easily controlled from within the submarine 10.

A telephone cable 31 passes through a waterproof litting 32 into the submarine 10 so that a telephone is readily usable and retains communication between the towing vessel (not shown) and the submarine 10.

The embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrates a submarine of similar general design to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the submarine is generally circular in form and comprises a hull il, an annular transparent panel 12, a lower cup-like portion 13, a closure hatch 14, and an outer clamping nut 15. As in the case of FIGS. l and 2, the tow-rope engagement means comprises a pair of lugs 18 one on each side of the longitudinal center line of the hull 11, and these lugs 18 are associated with pins 19 which engage the ends of a tow-rope 20 (see FIG. 6).

In the passage of a submarine 10 through the water there is always a danger of the vanes 27 striking an obstruction such as a rock. upstanding from the sea bed, and it is important that damage should be reduced to a minimum. In order to so reduce the damage, the second embodiment utilizes a small diameter intermediate shaft 3S which is of low cost and which is secured at one end to that portion of the vane shaft which is journalled in the bearing 26 in the hull 1l, and the intermediate shaft 35 is secured at the other end to the portion of the vane shaft 2S to which the vane 27 is secured.

In the case of the small and simple submarine illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control means for controlling the angular variation of the vane shafts 25 simply comprises a lever on each of the shafts 25 within the hull 11, this however not being shown in the drawings. However in this embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the shaft 25 extends inwardly within the hull 11 and terminates in a chain wheel 37 which is linked by a chain 38 to a small sprocket 39 on a short control shaft 40, the control shaft i9 being keyed to a hand wheel 41 and being journalled to a bearing 42 on an upstanding post 43 secured to the floor 44 of the hull 11. There are two such arrangements, one for each of the vane shafts 25, so that each vane shaft 25 is separately controlled by a handwheel 41 so that the submarine can be maintained in a vertical position during its travel through the water.

ring 48, the two rings being clamped together by a series 'of tie bolts'Y 49, and the annularransparentpanel b'e coupled tothe by 12 being scaled along its top and bottom edges by means 53 by means of the hinged clamp nut S4, the handle 55 of which may be unscrewed to facilitate slackening of the nut 54 in event of it being tightly engaged on the thread of the clamping bolt56; The outer clamping nut 15 engages a sealing washer '57, and with the arrangement shown the closure hatch 14 can be released either from vinside orfrom outside the submarine. V

With the submarine shown in the embodiment of FIGS. l and 2, the only manner in which directional control can be effected is by tilting the submarine by differential control of the vanes 27 which tends to cause the submarine to yaw and follow a circular path around the towing vessel. However, for some purposes it is desirable that limited directional control be effected from within the submarine 10, and to achieve this a rudder 60 is secured to the outside of the hull 11. The hull 11 has an upper rudder support post 61 projecting rearwardly therefrom and a lower support tube 62 parallel to the upper post 61, the tube 62 being closed at its outer end. The" tube 62 however, has a sealed upper bearing 63 in alignment with the closed lower bearing 64, and the rudder shaft 65 is rotational within the bearings 63 and 64 and sealably engaged by them. A comparatively light weight rudder pin 66 is secured for rotation with the rudder shaft 65 at its lower end and is journalled vat its upper end in the post 61. The rudder pin 66 passes through a rudder housing 67 which is tubular in form, and the pin 66 is secured to the housing 67. The rudder 60 has a forwardly projecting portion 68 which is half the area of the rearwardly projecting portien 69 se that the rudder 69 is at least partly balanced by the thrust of water upon it. A sprocket 71 is keyed to the rudder shaft 65 and linked to a rudder control bar 72 by the roller chain 73. In this manner an operator sitting on the seat 74 with his feet on the rudder control bar 72 has directional control over the submarine 10.

In the event of the submarine 10 being towed against an obstruction, it is desirable to have a ready release of the rope, and this arrangement is shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. A kick bar 78 is hinged about a hinge pin 79 within the hull 11, and when displaced from the position shown to the position shown dotted in PIG. 3, the kick bar allows the spring-loaded pin 80 to travel inwardly under the pressure exerted by the spring 81 until its head 82 strikes the plate 83 welded to the hull 11. At least one kick bar is utilized, and preferably two, so that the submarine can be completely freed from the towrope 20.

In order to maintain communication, a telephone 86 is connected by means of a cable 31 which passes through a screw threaded sealing fitting 32 (see FIG. 7) The screw-threaded sealing fitting 32 includes a pair of cap nuts 89 which sealably clamp rubber 0 rings 90 into firm engagement with the cable 31 and with the fitting 32.

In order to enable the submarine 10 to be ooded, a gate valve 92 is positioned in its oor 44, and a second gate valve 93 is positioned in its closure hatch 14, the second gate valve 93 providing means for air entry if this is desired.

The submarine preferably carries aqualung equipment 0r other safety breathing apparatus to permit the oc- Cupant to safely leave the submarine in the case of accfdenf, or for other purposes, and a CO2 absorption unit is preferably enclosed in the huil. With this arnmcment an operator can be submerged for about one hour without need to replace air in the submarine.

Also the hull preferably tows a marker buoy whichcan also serve as an air reservoir in that the buoy can 4 a flexible hose through which air can be supplied.

In the event of an accident this marker buoy would allow quick pick-up of the hull but for all normal purposes the hull would float because of its buoyancy, im-

mediately after it is-released from the tow rope and forward motion has ceased.

It will be realized that when using a towed hull which is completely sealed, the occupant or occupants of the submarine can b e comfortably housed in a dry condition and can have required quantities of fresh air fed to them either from the surface or by airconditioners or purihers within the hull.

i; As the hull is towed by a surface vessel, the operators the hull are relieved of the necessity to navigate and are thus free to give their full attention to examination of the ocean bottom and other tasks set for such crafts.

The craft can be ttcd with a scoop by means of which. it can pick up pearl shells or other objects by simply forcing the craft down to bring the scoop into action, and if the scoop is formed of mesh, only the objects picked up will remain in same, the water flowing straight through.

Closed television or a similar system could be -used between the submarine and the towing vessel to enable remote vision, and the vanes on the submarine may be operated by remote control from the towing vessel.

A device may be incorporated whereby the operator can drop smaller marker buoys or release marking oil when desired. i

External ballast may be carried if necessary and jettisoned by the operator if required. Likewise the scoop may be jettisoned in the event of rocks or other matter affecting the buoyancy or stability.

A unit so constructed will have the very great advani medial transverse axis of the hull, a single pair of transversely disposed vane shafts sealably journalled in bearings in the hull and disposed rearwardlyand downwardly ofsaid medial axis, a vane on each of said shafts, hand operable vane control means within the hull coupled to each of said shafts, a transparent observation panel in the hull, a waterproof hatch on the hull, and locking means between the waterproof hatch and the hull.

2. A submarine comprising a hull having a. medial transverse axis, tow-rope engagement means on the outside of the hull disposed forwardly and upwardly of the medial transverse axis of the hull, a single pair of transversely disposed vane shafts sealably journalled in bearings in the hull and disposed rearwardly and downwardly of said medial axis, a vane on each of said shafts, hand operable vane control means within the hull coupled to each of said'shafts, an annular transparent observation panel extending around the hull, a waterproof hatch on the hull, and locking means between the waterproof hatch and the hull.

3. A submarine comprising a hull having a medial transverse axis, tow-rope engagement means on the outside of the hull disposed forwardly and upwardly of the parent observation panel, and a clamping bolt between the waterproof hatch and the hull, an outer clamping nut on the clamping bolt releasable from without the hull,

' and an inner clamping nut o n the clamping bolt releasable fr within the hull. y

4. A ubmarine comprising a hull having a medial transversety axis, tow-rope engagement pins on the outside of the hull disposed forwardly and upwardly of the medial transverse axis of the hull, tow-rope pin release means within the hull operable to withdraw the tow-rope pins to a tow-rope disengagement position, a single pair of transversely disposed vane shafts sealably journalled in bearings in the hull and disposed rearwardly and downwardly of said medial axis, a vane on each of said shafts, hand operable vane control means within the hull coupled to each of said shafts, a transparent observation panel in.

the hull, a waterproof hatch on the hull, and locking means between the waterproof hatch and the hull.

5. A submarine comprising a hull having a medial transverse axis, tow-rope engagement means on the outside of the hull disposed forwardly and upwardly of the medial transverse axis of the hull, a single pair of transversely disposed vane shafts sealably journalled in bearings in the hull and disposed rearward and downwardly of said medial axis, a vane on each of said shafts, hand operable vane control means within the hull independently coupled to each of said shafts, a rudder on the hull, rudder control means in the hull, a transparent observation panel in the hull, a waterproof hatch on the hull, and locking means between the waterproof hatch and the hull.

6. A submarine comprising a hull having a medial ltransverse axis, a pair of aligned withdrawable spring loaded tow-rope pins sealably engaging and axially slidable through the walls of the hull and disposed forwardly and upwardly of the medial transverse axis thereof. a pair of hinged kick bars engaging the pins thereby' retaining the pins in a tow-rope engagement position, said kick bars being movable about pivotal mountings to disengage said pins whereupon said pins are urged to slide axially to a tow-rope disengagement position, a single pair of aligned transversely disposed vane shafts sealably journalledin bearings in the hull, said vane shafts being disposed rearwardly of said tow-rope pins,a pair of vanes one on each vane shaft, hand operable vane control means within the hull independently coupled to each said vane shaft, an annular transparent panel sealably clamped between two axially spaced rings and extending around the hull, a waterproof hatch on the hull, and locking means between the waterproof hatch and the hull.

7. A submarine comprising a circular hull, withdraw-` able spring loaded tow-rope engagement pins on the outside of the hull, a pair of aligned transversely disposed vane shafts sealably journalled in bearings in the hull, said vane shafts being disposed rearwardly of said tow-rope pins, a pair of vanes one on each vane shaft, a pair of chain sprockets one on the inner end of the inner portion of each vane shaft, a post upstanding from the oor of the hull, a pair of aligned control shafts journalled in bearings on the post, a hand wheel and a chain sprocket on each control shaft, a pair of roller chains coupling corresponding sprockets whereby each vane is independently controllable by a hand wheel, an annular transparent panel sealably clamped between two axially spaced rings and extending around the hull, a bow member engaging at its ends one of said rings, a closure hatch sealably engaging the outer of said rings, a clamping bolt between the bow member and the closure hatch, and clamping bolt release means operable either from within or from without the hull.`

8. A submarine comprising a circular hull, withdrawable spring loaded tow-rope engagement pins on the outside of the hull, a pair of aligned transversely disposed vane shafts sealably journalled in bearings` in the hull, said vane shafts being disposed rearwardly of said towrope pins, a pair of vanes one on each vane shaft, hand tending around the hull, a waterproof hatch on the hull,

and locking means between the waterproof hatch and the hull.

9. A submarine comprising a circular, hull, withdrawable spring loaded tow-rope engagement pins on the outside of the hull, a pair of aligned transversely disposed v vane shafts sealably journalled in bearings in the hull,

said vane shafts being disposed rearwardly of said towrope pins, a pair of vanes one on each vane shaft, hand operable vane control means within the hull coupled to the shaft, an annular transparent panel sealably clamped between two axially spaced rings and extending around the hull, a bow'member engaging at its ends one of said rings, a closure hatch sealably engaging the outer of said rings, a clamping bolt between the bow member and the closure hatch, an outer clamping nut on the clamping bolt reacting against the closure hatch, a hinged clamp nut reacting against the bow-member, a handle on the hinged clamp nut operable to open same, and at least one valve in the wall of the hull.

l0. A submarine comprising a circular hull, a pair of aligned withdrawable spring loaded tow-rope pins axially slidable through the walls of the hull and disposed forwardly of its medial transverse axis, a pair of hinged kick bars engaging the pins thereby retaining the pins in a tow-rope engagement position, said kick bars being movable about pivotal mountings to disengage said pins whereupon said pins are urged to slide axially to a tow-rope disengagement position, a pair of aligned transversely disposed vane shafts sealably journalled in bearings in the hull, said vane shafts being disposed rearwardly of said 'tow-rope pins, each vane shaft being in two aligned positions joined by a replaceable intermediate shaft of smaller diameter, a pair of vanes one on the outer portion of each vane shaft, a pair of chain sprockets one on the inner end of the inner portion of each vane shaft, a post upstanding from the floor of the hull, a pair of aligned control shafts journalled to bearings on the post, a hand wheel and a chain sprocket on each control shaft, a pair of roller chains coupling corresponding sprockets whereby each vane is independently controllable by a hand wheel, an upper rudder post extending rearwardly of the hull, a lower rudder tube parallel to but spaced from the upper rudder post, a rudder shaft journalled at its upper end in the rudder post and sealably journalled at its lower end in the rudder tube, a rudder on the rudder shaft, a sprocket on the rudder shaft, a hinged rudder control bar, a chain between the rudder shaft sprocket and the rudder control bar, an annular transparent panel sealably clamped between two axially spaced rings and extending around the hull, a bow member engaging at its ends one of said rings,

Ia closure hatch sealably engaging the outer of said rings,

a clamping bolt between the bow member and the closure hatch, an outer clamping nut on the clamping bolt reacting against the closure hatch, a hinged clamp nut reacting References Cited in the tile of this patent .180,883 Husband Aug. 8, 1876 (Other references on following page) 7 `\1 A UNiTED STATES PATENTS 1,953,841 wilsn Apr. 11), 133151 1 711,834 Sjostrom Oct, 21J i902 1999'27 Austm "-7' Apr' 3 788,525 DEqueviuey IVIay 2 1905 4 213771442 ostel'houdt June 5 19115d 861,126 Ca 2,444,976 Brown July 13, 194s ge Jury 16, 1907 1016 619 .F 5 2,627,727 sellers Feb. 10, 1953 v roger Feb.6.19f12 l 1042 894 C 2,823,636 Gongwer Feb. I8, 1958 Y m11 oct. 29, 1912 2,936,466 szymczyk May 17, 1960 1,125,772 Uilm Jan. 19, 1915 11541 6 3,000,022 Carhey sept. 19, 1961 1 2 Parker Sept- 211 1915 3,065,722 Green Nov. 27, 1962 1,229,004 Yarmw June 5, 1917 10 .1 1,348,686 Archibald Aug. 3, 1920 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,592,019 Weber Ju1y 13, 1926 293,573 Italy Feb. 25, 1932 

1. A SUBMARINE COMPRISING A HULL HAVING A MEDIAL TRANSVERSE AXIS, TOW-ROPE ENGAGEMENT MEANS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE HULL DISPOSED FORWARDLY AND UPWARDLY OF THE MEDIAL TRANSVERSE AXIS OF THE HULL, A SINGLE PAIR OF TRANSVERSELY DISPOSED VANE SHAFTS SEALABLY JOURNALLED IN BEARINGS IN THE HULL AND DISPOSED REARWARDLY AND DOWNWARDLY OF SAID MEDIAL AXIS, A VANE ON EACH OF SAID SHAFTS, HAND OPERABLE VANE CONTROL MEANS WITHIN THE HULL COUPLED TO EACH OF SAID SHAFTS, A TRANSPARENT OBSERVATION PANEL IN 